Losing a pet can be stressful, and finding a lost animal can be overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips on what to do if you lose a pet, or find a lost pet.
What to do if Your Pet Goes Missing
- Contact all animal shelters and rescues in your area and provide them:
- Detailed description of your pet and anything they were wearing when they went missing
- Information about where your pet went missing
- Any information tracking your pet - microchip, ID tag, etc.
- Provide your contact information
- A photo of your pet
- The Erie Humane Society has a bulletin board for owners to put up any lost pet flyers. Once we have been informed of a missing animal, we file a "lost" report in our system, and ask that the owner regularly update us on their search.
- If you use social media, you can also contact Erie Animal Network on Facebook to post a missing animal.
- Although, we hold all stray animals for a minimum of 48 hours, it is important that you act fast. In good faith, we typically hold a stray pet for 72 hours. If a pet has been unclaimed after the stray hold expires, they will enter our adoption process. If you claim a pet after the stray hold has expired, you will be responsible for all associated fees for services provided to your pet.
What to do if you Find a Loose Pet
- When you find a pet, the appropriate action depends on where the animal was found. In order for the lost pet to have the best chance at finding it's owner, contact the animal control officer in the municipality where it was found. Explore our stray services instructions and information.
- If you find a stray or lost pet, and are unable to reach the municipality where the animal was found, call our adoptions team at 814-835-8331. The Erie Humane Society is contracted with Millcreek Township and Summit Township to take in stray pets.
- If you find a pet that appears to be sick or injured, please call our adoptions team at 814-835-8331.
- If you use social media, you can also contact Erie Animal Network on Facebook to post a found animal.
